Undefeated LOUD has began to point out cracks in VCT Americas.
After surprisingly shut video games in opposition to low-ranked groups like Sentinels and Evil Geniuses, their subsequent match was in opposition to the winless KRÜ Esports on Might 1, 2023. On paper, this sequence ought to have been a simple win for LOUD to punch their ticket to Masters, but each map turned out shut, with LOUD barely squeaking out a win.
Associated: Cloud9 add final stone to NA VALORANT gauntlet during incredible VCT Americas season
KRÜ dominated the highlights, together with a standout efficiency from Marco “Melser” Amaro, who managed to clock up plenty of highlight reel moments within the first two maps.
However, simply as there was within the earlier two sequence, LOUD had a turning level. On Ascent, down 11-7, it appeared just like the group was going through their first loss. Then, clutch performs from Erick “aspas” Santos, Cauan “cauanzin” Pereira, and Matias “Saadhak” Delipetro shifted momentum from KRÜ again to LOUD. The LOCK//IN finalists returned and completed the map 13-11, not even permitting their opponents to hit match level.
Then, all of it got here right down to Cut up—a map LOUD has had current points with. Of their final sequence in opposition to Evil Geniuses, LOUD’s protection facet on Cut up was exploited, dropping it 13-3. Fortunately sufficient in opposition to KRÜ, LOUD began on assault, constructing an 8-4 result in quell some worries in regards to the map.
Then, when LOUD went on protection, KRÜ fought again to a tie at 9-9, utilizing comparable methods and smokes similar to EG’s plans. It regarded just like the winless group was nonetheless within the sequence, however aspas denied them any probability with some nice Operator pictures.
In the long run, KRÜ solely gained a single spherical after tying that map.
Following this outcome, the VALORANT champs and LOCK///IN finalists clinched playoffs, however they virtually misplaced to a winless group and confidence of their high quality is beginning to flag. The age-old phrase of ‘a win is a win’ holds true, however it actually leaves some fear.
